MATCH REPORTS

4 Star Smithy
5th October 2008
Clifton Vs Sidwell, Co-op Ground, Eltham
Open Knockout Cup
With Manager Mark Caldecourt away on holiday, it was down to the only 11 who turned up to pick their selves. With the bare eleven, Sidwell took on the only team to beat them this season, Clifton at the Co-op Ground in Eltham in the Open Knockout Cup.
The game barely got started when Sidwell attacked down the left. A ball down the channel from Tom Smith for strike partner Dan Wilson to run onto. Wilson turned to lay the ball inside to Dan McGill who took the ball inside the box smashing it across the face of goal for Dave Newman to pounce at the far post firing the ball into the corner of the net. 1-0 up and on fire, Sidwell once again failed to deal with a long ball into the box and Peter Courts header out was met with a neat volley by the Clifton Midfielder nestling in the corner of the net.
The work rate was then stepped up and the dangerous Danny McGill who was getting the better of the Clifton right back all game got some space down the left and played a low inside ball to the feet of Dan Wilson on the edge of the area. Wilson controlled, turned and fired a fierce shot at goal that flew past the keeper and off the underside into the net. Straight from the kick off Sidwell attacked again and once again it was the lively Dan McGill on the left playing a low ball into the box and the wet conditions caused the keeper to fumble and the ball fell kindly for Tom Smith who can surely not score an easier goal. 3-1 and you would expect Sidwell to start sitting on the lead, but they never and again Danny McGill was terrorising down the left playing another low ball to Dan Wilson on the edge of the area, Wilson turned to pass the ball through to Tom Smith who controlled, turned and fired a low left foot drive across the keeper into the bottom corner of the net. Danny McGill then got his deserved goal just before half time even if it was a bit fortunate. A low left footed corner by McGill came in low at the near post and the defender on the post went to clear and missed allowing the ball to go straight in the net off a slight deflection from clearing defender. 5-1 at half time and the Sidwell halftime talk was nothing but praise but hard work was still to be done.
The second half started as predicted with Clifton coming out the starting blocks early and no sooner had Sidwell thought they had the game sown up, Clifton lifted a long ball into the box lobbing Owen on the goal line making Sidwell realise they could not afford to loose concentration and needed to win the game by not sitting on the lead. 5 minutes after Clifton had pulled one back, good work from Michael Wills on the right crossed perfectly for Tom Smith to complete his hat trick guiding the ball into the roof of the net and Sidwell were back in control.
A dubious penalty was awarded to Clifton for handball by Peter Wyeth who protested his innocence, but the Clifton no.10 coolly planted the penalty into the bottom of the net giving Owen no chance. Tom Smith then completed the demolition and capped a fabulous performance when Dave Newman beat the offside trap and played the ball to Dan Wilson in the area, Dan Swung a leg at it but was pulled back and the ball came to Tom who controlled, turned and placed the ball into the corner of the net. He could of had 5 if it was not for an excellent save from the keeper, and Danny McGill could of made it 8 if it was not for the woodwork for the second time in the game.
A well deserved win in poor weather conditions, but this result raised the morale of the team and are looking forward to a week off. Clifton 3, Sidwell 7.

Team: Connelly, Wills, Helps, Wyeth, Court, Newman, Martin, Liasi, McGill, Wilson, Smith
Goals: Newman, Wilson, Smith(4), McGill
MOM: Tom Smith

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Added on front page

A Game of 2 Halves
19th October 2008
Sidwell 3 – 2 Orpington Park
Division 3

After a 2 week break the team were raring to go after their 7-3 thrashing of Clifton 2 weeks earlier. With the gaffer and top goal scorer Tom Smith away, Sidwell still looked a very strong team on paper. Captain Peter Wyeth commanded the area with partner Peter Helps, and Chris Wiltshire returning as a surprise right back with the impressive Peter Court making tough competition for the left back spot. Sidwell once again got off to a flyer, and kept the ball for the first 5 minutes with Orpington hardly getting a touch. A ball fell loose in the middle of the park; Dan Wilson controlled on his chest, turned and laid a perfect ball through to the lively Harry Montgomery who beat the keeper to the ball firing a superb strike into the bottom corner of the net.
1-0 up and the bombardment continued, but this allowed a counter attack from Orpington which resulted with a fine tip over the bar from the impressive Owen Connelly. Sidwell found their selves 2-0 up shortly after when the tricky Harry Montgomery dinked a ball across the 6 yard box, and a resulting clearance landed to the feet of Chris Wiltshire who controlled neatly to fire a rocket into the top corner of the net. More impressive was the celebrating run around the pitch shouting ‘I told ya I was gonna do it son!’, but failed to get his cock out like he said.
Straight from the kick off, Sidwell were on the attack again winning a corner, after a free kick on the edge of the area from Dave Martin had the keeper scrambling to tip it wide. From the resulting pressure, a corner from Danny McGill was lucky to make the near post when a minor flick from Peter Helps feel kindly for Michael Wills to tap the ball over the line for his first goal of the season. A comfortable 3-0 lead going in at half time but tough work still to be done with fighting the uphill battle.
Expecting an onslaught, and we was not disappointed. Still Sidwell managed to be dominant on the floor and Dave Martin made it 4-0 on the hour with a fine strike on running onto the ball. The goal was disallowed for Dan Wilson standing in an offside position blocking the keepers view. With some dodgy decisions from the ref, Orpington continued their bombardment of the Sidwell defence. Owen Connelly pulling off a fantastic double save getting in the way of everything, and it was typical that the first goal conceded had to be a soft goal, when a high lob into the box seemed to catch the whole defence out and allowing the ball to bounce on the penalty spot and bounced awkwardly over Owen’s head.
With Orpington sensing their way back into the game, the defence were trying to cope with the pace of Orpington’s wingers, but Chris Wiltshire playing his first game at right back showed that, that position was kind of special with everyone that fills it with a fantastic performance. Orpington grabbed a second straight from a corner with five minutes to spare with Craig Liasi grabbing that dreaded first own goal, leaving an awkward last few minutes for the Sidwell team. Alistair Sutherland made his first appearance in a Sidwell shirt after a year and a half out with a back and groin strain, replacing the impressive Peter Court who pulled a hamstring after his and the whole back fours determination to defend the goal went beyond magnificent.
Craig made things worse for himself in the last minute picking up a booking after venting his frustration from a poor refing decision all game after good hold up play in the corner ended in a corner for the ref to give a goal kick. Two more bookings for Orpington players followed before the ref’s final whistle. Another win for Sidwell against a team unbeaten this season, and gives manager Mark Caldecourt a tough decision to make come next weeks game vs. TGF Poker. Final score Sidwell 3, Orpington Park 2.

Team: Connelly, Wiltshire, Wyeth, Helps, Court, Wills, Martin, Liasi, McGill, Wilson, Montgomery, Subs: Sutherland.

Goals: Montgomery, Wiltshire, Wills

Man of the Match: Chris Wiltshire

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No mention of the flying Helpsy's run and near perfect cross for ewok?

And Bummers did get his willy out, you just couldn't see it all that well!

Our Finest Hour!

2nd November 2008

Open Knockout Cup Second Round

Danson Albion Vs Sidwell

“Let us therefore brace ourselves to our duties, and so bear ourselves that, if the British Empire and its Commonwealth last for a thousand years, men will say, "This was their finest hour.” If Winston Churchill was alive to see it, he would have been proud to see Sidwell produce true English spirit and fight to the death and winning against all odds.
Playing Danson Albion, 2 divisions above, Sidwell once again got off to an amazing start, completely dominating play for the first 30 minutes, creating several clear cut chances that failed to cross the line, stirring thoughts of another one of those games Sidwell couldn’t put the ball over the line.
It took 30 minutes for Danson to wake up and nearly took an undeserved 2-0 lead in at half time when first they hit the bar, and narrowly volleying over from 3 yards. Half time arrived with the score at 0-0 which masked what drama was about to come. Half time also saw a bit of bad sportsmanship from both the Danson players and supporters, trying to wind up the lower level team, which fired the Sidwell team up more for the second half.
Five minutes into the second half and Danson were looking sharper when the impressive Michael Wills picked up an injury behind his knee and was replaced by Nic Watson, which proved to be a turning point in the game. Nic’s first touch was a volley from just outside his own box, a whole 75 yards. The ball, high in orbit, dipped ferrousiously into the top corner of the Danson net sparking a mass team bundle (including Owen) which sparked mass confidence in the Sidwell team. 1-0 up and there was no stopping Sidwell. Harry Montgomery picked the ball up on the halfway line, attacked down the left leaving 3 Danson players on the ground before cutting in and striking the ball into the same top corner of the net. Sidwell could not believe it, 2-0 up in the space of five minutes.
Then once again the game turned. This time with nothing to lose, the 1st Division team came at Sidwell with pace and aggression. With the Sidwell team taking their foot off the gas, leaving space and time for Danson to exploit. This left Owen Connelly to take the whole Danson team on, on his own. With several finger tip saves and a few one on ones, he single handedly kept Sidwell in the game. With five minutes left Sidwell seemed home and dry and the continued banter and arguing with Danson supporters and players lead to Sidwell’s back four taking their eye off the game and giving away a silly free kick on the edge of the area. With their eye on their first clean sheet, the inevitable happened and Danson fired the ball into the top corner of the net. Game on with little over 2 minutes left and it happened, a long ball over the top escaped the offside trap leaving the Danson striker one on one with Owen, and this time Owen was unable to stop the low strike into the bottom of the net. It was the last kick of the game and now another 30 minutes of drama was about to unfold.
2-2 at full time, and with a last minute goal, Danson was now full of confidence and sensed they could win. Mark Caldecourt rollicked the team at the interval about rising to the supporters on the sideline which cost Sidwell the game in the 90 minutes. Straight from the re-start it was Sidwell getting off to the quick start gaining a corner which was then headed wide. Danson then went straight up the other end and was awarded a penalty after Peter Helps wild lunge brought down the Danson forward on the penalty spot. The Danson skipper stepped up to fire the ball wide. It remained 2-2 after 15 minutes, and it was now do or die stuff.
The second half of extra time was end to end stuff, and after 115 minutes of football, the last 5 minutes was the stuff of legends. Sidwell won a free kick just inside the Danson half which Peter Wyeth took. Pete delivered a lovely floated ball into the area for Nic Watson to glance a backwards header into the bottom corner of the net which sent the away team and one supporter into ecstasy. But once again this game was far from over, and Mark Caldecourt called Dan Wilson back from upfront to bolster up the midfield and Dan’s first touch was horrendous and lost out to a strong tackle from the Danson skipper who floated a lovely ball to the forward on the right who crossed the ball in to see it luckily float over Owen’s head into the roof of the net. Now Sidwell felt deflated and cramp setting in around the players, both teams felt penalties were a whistle away. With the game surely over a last long throw into the box seemed to catch four Sidwell players off guard and allowed the ball to bounce in the area over their heads for the Danson striker to fire a half volley past Owen. Now the Sidwell players were on the floor, the Danson supporters taunting the Sidwell players, it had to be over, shouldn’t it?
Straight from the kick off the ball was launched to the wings; the ball came back for Dan Wilson to header forward, Mark Caldecourt underneath and took an elbow across the face gaining Sidwell what had to be one last throw into the box. Peter Wyeth sent the ball with pace into the box and through the crowded area it seemed to be heading for the corner of the net when the keeper came from nowhere to tip it round the post. Surely that was the chance that went, but with one last corner from Harry Montgomery, Dave Newman at the far post had his chance for glory and instead of heading for goal he headed across goal for Mark Caldecourt to head against the bar. The ball bounced down and a scramble lead to the ball landing kindly for Craig Liasi who smashed the ball down the keepers throat into the back of the net. With the Sidwell players celebrating the Danson team all had their heads in their hands, what a game!
It proved to be the final kick as straight from the kick off the final whistle went, and now it was a lottery. After 120 minutes of football, 8 goals, it came down to the bottle of 5 penalty takers. Mark Caldecourt asked who wanted one and he got a great response with at least 6 hands showing. A quick team talk and messages of ‘we are a team and it doesn’t matter if you miss’ gave the takers a mass confidence boost, if Craig Liasi’s last minute leveller already hadn’t.
First up was ex Captain Chris Wiltshire who fired a low drive into the bottom left hand corner of the net. 1-0. The Danson player then made it 1-1, before Dan Wilson stepped up. Dan made up for his error in the middle of the park firing high into the top right hand corner of the net, 2-1. The Danson Captain then made certain that this penalty went in after his earlier miss, 2-2. Then Sidwell Captain stepped up to do his duty and fired an unstoppable drive into the bottom left corner of the net, 3-2. Then the turning point, the Danson striker who scored 4 in the game stepped up and fired the ball against the bar, 3-2. Harry Montgomery then stepped up and fired low just to the left of the keeper to make it 4-2. Danson then made it 4-3 leaving the 3rd round on the head of Craig Liasi. Craig stepped up to fire an unstoppable ball into left hand corner of the net. 5-3 to Sidwell after the shootout sending the Sidwell team into ecstasy with a mass team bundle. After the game the abuse stopped between supporters and players and sportsmanship showed through with both teams congratulating each other on a great game of football. Final Score Danson Albion 4 – 4 Sidwell (aet) Sidwell won 5-3 on penalties.

Ref: Tony Barton

Team: Connelly, Wills, (Watson), Wiltshire, Wyeth, Helps, Wilson, Caldecourt, Liasi, McGill, (Newman), Smith, Montgomery

Scorers: Watson (2), Montgomery, Liasi

Penalty Shootout Scorers: Wiltshire, Wilson, Wyeth, Montgomery, Liasi

Man of the Match: Owen Connelly (Single handed kept Sidwell in the competition)

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Par 4 At The Belfry

9th November 2008

Butterfly Lane

Sidwell Vs Belfry United

Due to the same people at training over the past few weeks, Manager Mark Caldecourt made several changes before today’s game. With Danny McGill and Nic Watson being sacrificed to the bench and Harry Montgomery back on the wing with Dan Wilson returning up front, Sidwell took on what was thought to be a hard game against Belfry United.
Once again Sidwell got out the starting blocks early. Belfry could not get out of their own half in the first ten minutes, with Sidwell coming close on several occasions from corners, one of which was cleared off the line from a Dan Wilson header and a Harry Montgomery corner coming inches from Tom Smiths head on the goal line from another corner. Then Sidwell gained the advantage when a long throw from Chris Wiltshire came hurtling into the box for Dan Wilson to glance his header into the corner of the net.
Chris Wiltshire’s long throws and Harry Montgomery’s pace and trickery on the left were causing the Belfry defence a headache. Belfry failed to learn from the previous goal, and a long throw into the box from Chris Wiltshire fooled the whole defence including the keeper who allowed the ball to bounce and Dan Wilson reacted quicker to just nod the ball over the line. It could have been 3-0 and Dan’s hatrick straight after when a Belfry goal kick went straight to the chest of Dan about 20 yards out, who controlled and hit it first time producing a fine save from the keeper, although he should have passed to strike partner Tom Smith who was in clear space on goal.
2-0 to Sidwell and the Belfry battle back was on. Belfry went up the other end and were unlucky no to be back in the game when a goal mouth scramble led to them having the ball cleared off the line, and hitting the bar twice.
Michael Wills then went off injured just before half time of what turned to be an injury nightmare of a day for the gaffer. Michael picked up a knee injury and was replaced by Nic Watson. Nic Watson was on the pitch for 2 minutes before putting in a fierce challenge on the Belfry left back which led to a riot. After picking up a booking Nic was on the other end of the left backs elbow shortly after play regained in which he should have been shown a straight red, but didn’t even get a talking to. Nic lay dazed on the floor whilst the Sidwell team had another riot to deal with.
The half time whistle came shortly afterward so we could regroup and focus on what to do in the second half. Shortly after the game restarted, Nic Watson had to come off, with what looked like mild concussion. With a shake up with the back four, it allowed Belfry to escape the offside trap and have a chance on goal. With Owen Connelly hardly touching the ball in the game, this was his first test, and after coming out to clutch the ball successfully, he dropped it allowing the Belfry striker to fire into the empty net.
A third forced change came shortly after when Tom Smith had to be replaced after suffering some kind of strain to his groin, With the changes made, Sidwell went on the attack again and a heavily weighted pass from Dan Wilson down the wing was picked up by Harry Montgomery who checked back inside, crossing to Craig Liasi on the edge of the box in acres of space. Craig didn’t take a touch and volleyed the ball like a rocket into the top right hand corner of the net. 3-1 to Sidwell, and Mark Caldecourt had to solid the defence up with Peter Helps playing right back and Craig Liasi now slotting into centre back. Peter Helps went on to have a fantastic game with plenty of attacking play and equally impressive defensive play.
One person who had an outstanding game was Mark Caldecourt in the centre of the park tracking back and winning every 50/50 challenge, letting the Belfry midfield know he was there. He got his reward late in the second half when a lovely weighted free kick from Dave Martin landed at the feet of Mark on the 6 yards box who coolly slotted home on the volley. Now 4-1 to Sidwell and it could have been more when Dan McGill came close and Dan Wilson spectacular over head kick would have wrapped up a fine days work. Final score Sidwell 4, Belfry 1.

Ref: Lynsey Morton

Score: Sidwell 4 – 1 Belfry United

Team: Connelly, Wills, (Watson), (Newman), Wiltshire, Wyeth, Helps, Martin, Caldecourt, Liasi, Montgomery, Wilson, Smith, (McGill)

Scorers: Wilson (2), Liasi, Caldecourt

Man Of The Match: Harry Montgomery


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6 Point Derby Win

16th November 2008

Meridian Club

AFC Meridian Vs Sidwell

Big 6 point derby today at the Meridian Club between AFC Meridian and Sidwell, Sidwell being the old boys against the young wipper snappers in Meridian in the top of the table clash, top vs 2nd.
With Meridian scoring a lot of goals this season, Sidwell knew their back four would come under pressure, but with them free scoring one end, they had also conceeded loads to. Sidwell knew that they would get their oppotunities in the game and it would be down to them to take them.
The game started how it pretty much went on, with a fierce battle in the centre of the park in which Mark Caldecourt and Dave Martin broke down every bit of play Meridian created. With the game going from end to end in patches, Sidwell never had a clear cut chance at goal, whereas the Sidwell defence, strong as ever limited the Meridian attackers to long range efforts. Meridian did have the ball in the net first but was disallowed for pushing after heading in from a corner.
Sidwell never really tested the keeper in the first half, then 10 minutes from the end of the half, a dubious corner was awarded to Sidwell, Harry Montgomery played a short corner to Danny Mcgill who crossed into the box for Craig Liasi to rise like a salmon and head beyond the advancing keeper into the back of the net.
Tom Smith also came close before the break with the only other shot on target during the first half, and also Mark Caldecourt having a few long range efforts. 1-0 at half time and a few changes. Alistair Sutherland coming on for Chris Wiltshire to make his long awaited run out in the side, and Dave Newman coming on for Danny Mcgill on the right.
Dave Newman got off to a flying start in the second half, with some fine tackling, and with a through ball from Dan Wilson, he was not lucky to get on the score sheet firing straight down the keepers throat. The second half for Sidwell was much better with stronger play, holding the possession in the Meridian half.
Harry Montgomery came into his own in the second half, getting more of the ball down the left and causing the Meridian defence problems with his great ability to deliver the ball into the box. Harry himself was on the recieving end of a great cross midway through the half when great battling on the right from Tom Smith lead to an inch perfect cross to Harry who volleyed at goal. It looked like it was going in when it hit the cross bar and bounced down over the line but the goal was not given. Similarly moments later Tom Smith put an inch perfect cross from the other side to the head of Dan Wilson who needed two bites of the cherry knocking the ball through the keepers legs for Dave Newman to scramble the ball over the line. The ref dissallowed the goal and an explaination of why was not clear, but to be fair to the ref, he had a sound game.
AFC Meridian came at Sidwell strong in the closing 15 minutes of the match and had several chances and were unlucky not to get back into the game, but their attacking play left a few gaps at the back and a soft lob forward caught the Meridian defence flat footed leaving Dan Wilson space for a run at the keeper, but instead of keeping his cool taking a few extra touches into the box he struck the ball on the half volley beating the keeper but sailing inches wide.
With Mark Caldecourt still covering each and every blade of grass, Sidwell were determined that they were about to keep their first ever clean sheet and moments later the ref blew his whisltle for full time to the disgust of the AFC Meridian fans and players who stormed the pitch in protest. The game had been won, and Sidwell kept there first ever clean sheet in what was potentially a massive 6 pointer. Final score AFC Meridian 0, Sidwell 1.

Ref: Jack Bedingham-Pearce

Score: AFC Meridian 0 – 1 Sidwell

Scorer: Craig Liasi

Team: Connelly, Helps, Wiltshire, (Sutherland), Wyeth, Liasi, (Watson), Mcgill, (Newman), Caldecourt, Martin, Montgomery, Wilson, Smith

Man of the Match: Mark Caldecourt

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Out In The Rain

November 2008

Old Roan Mega Tigers Vs Sidwell

John Roan Playing Fields

Not a good start to the days proceedings when, half the regular players were not available to play and with only ten men and Manager Mark Caldecourt on his way back from Brands Hatch, for a cup game against a team 2 divisions above.
Sidwell got off to the better start to the game when 2 chances went narrowly close, first from Dave Martin who had his long shot tipped over the bar and secondly from Dan Wilson who cut inside to fire low just into the side netting.
Old Roan totally dominated the morning’s game and came out 7-0 winners but Sidwell did have their opportunities. Fine work on the right from Dave Newman in the first half on the right tricked his way past an Old Player to fire across goal for Danny McGill to miss an absolute sitter. Dave Newman himself was on the other end of a Dan McGill cross to volley at goal only for the keeper to fall on the ball and save which he didn’t know much about. Peter Court had a fantastic strike heading for the top corner which was tipped over. Dan Wilson fired wide one on one with the keeper, and the in form Craig Liasi hit the post after a scramble in the box. A few positives to take from the game and we know we had the chances, but it ended a fantastic run of games for Sidwell.

Old Roan 7, Sidwell 0

Ref: Perry Davies

Score: Old Roan 7 – 0 Sidwell

Team: Connelly, Wiltshire, Helps, Liasi, Court, Newman, Martin, Wilson, Caldecourt, McGill, Tom

Man of the Match: Dave Martin

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“Top Of The League,Top Of The League”

30th November 2008

Sidwell Vs Moorings Social

Butterfly Lane

After a whole week of rain, it was in doubt weather this game would go ahead or not. The ref for the day never turned up and the two teams agreed to play the game and a Moorings player to ref it.
The Sidwell team with a new goalkeeper in Nic Watson between the sticks took a long time to get use to the playing conditions and Moorings took the game to Sidwell putting them under considerable pressure. Unable to play their normal free flowing football in the mud bath at Butterfly Lane, yet it was Sidwell who struck first blood when the lively Harry Montgomery took two defenders on and crossed low into the box for Danny McGill to fire into the bottom corner of the net.
After all that pressure Sidwell finally had that lead for them to throw it all away again. The Moorings team caused the Sidwell defence a headache all afternoon and from a corner a player left unmarked and having two bites at the cherry passed the ball into the net through a crowded penalty box.
1-1 Sidwell knew they were going to be in a fight to get all three points to maintain the pressure on the top two. Straight from the centre Sidwell again attacked down the right with Harry Montgomery who crossed in low for Tom Smith to run onto and fire the ball past the keeper for his 7th goal of the campaign. Surely Sidwell can hold onto the lead now.
2-1 and no, the ball went straight back up the other end and into the back of the Sidwell net. 2-2 at half time.
After the half time rollicking from Mark Caldecourt, Sidwell still came out of the starting blocks slow conceding several corners in a row. The corners were kept out and Tom Smith and Dan Wilson upfront started to create some chances between them and with help from the two wingers Sidwell seemed to finally have the game in their control. On the hour a long throw from Sidwell went into the box and was met by the head of a Moorings player who misdirected his header straight towards his own net, and the Moorings keeper was unable to prevent it going in.
3-2 and soon it was 4-2 when Harry Montgomery again flew down the right, he cut inside and fired a low shot which was saved by the keeper who pushed it straight out into the feet of Dan Wilson who side footed the ball into the corner of the net.
With Moorings heads dropping and Sidwell realising that the danger they were creating was coming from Harry Montgomery, straight from the kick off Sidwell won the ball back and it was played to Harry who got his reward after beating 3 defenders, cutting inside and firing low and hard past the Moorings keeper, 5-2.
Sidwell now in a bit of a comfort zone were then caught off guard when a Moorings player cut inside from the left past Peter Helps and smashed an amazing finish past Nic Watson into the other corner of the net. Game back on at 5-3 and Moorings were sensing they were back in the game. After absorbing a bit of pressure, Moorings tried to play a bit of football in the bog in the centre of the park when Dan Wilson nicked the ball off a Moorings player and got a lucky break forward. Seeing the keeper off his line, Dan launched his muddy boot at the ball to see it sale over the keepers head into the top corner. Now 6-3 and no way back for Moorings now surely. Moorings had one more break and a ball over the top was met by a Moorings player who fired low under Nic Watson to make the final score Sidwell 6, Moorings Social 4.

Ref: Didn’t turn up

Score: Sidwell 6 – 4 Moorings Social

Team: Watson, Helps, Wyeth, Liasi, Court, Montgomery, Caldecourt, Martin, McGill, Smith, Wilson

Scorers: McGill, Smith, Wilson (2), Montgomery, Own Goal

Man of the Match: Harry Montgomery

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Cup Dream Over!

18th January 2009

Division 3 Cup Semi-Final
AFC Meridian Vs Sidwell

Meridian Club, Charlton

For both Sidwell and AFC Meridian, this was to be their first fixture of the New Year, and one of the most important ones. After the postponement of the same fixture in the league a week earlier, this was to be Sidwell’s biggest game in their short history.
After giving his pre-match team talk and a sense of unity within the squad, and having an entire squad to choose from, Mark Caldecourt and his Sidwell team proudly stepped out to a crowd of over 20.
After controlling the first 5 minutes against a strong wind Sidwell went behind to two quick goals in succession and the hearts and minds of the players dropped against the young and rapid Meridian. Meridian went on to dominate the half scoring a further 2 goals whilst Sidwell’s only effort was a header against the post from Dan Wilson from a corner. Half time Sidwell trailing 4-0
A rollicking came from the gaffer at half time and a change at the back for some pace with the introduction of the long term injured Michael Wills. Harry Montgomery who was isolated in the first half got off to a flyer in the second destroying the Meridian right back, and it was him that produced the excellent delivery in the 2nd minute of the half for Tom Smith to powerfully header into the top corner of the net. Game on and with the wind behind them, Sidwell had a glimmer of hope. However the second crucial goal would not come, and Tom and Dan upfront could just not get the ball across the line, and a close effort by substitute Dave Newman also failed to beat the keeper. Meridian once again counter attacked the Sidwell defence and penetrated Owen Connelly’s goal, and Owen himself was first to admit it was not his day. The second finally came, but it was little to late as lovely ball in from Dave Newman, and Tom Smith’s determination to get on the end of it allowed Tom to drill the ball into the corner of the net.
Although playing for pride, Sidwell failed to give up, and with the Sidwell team committed going forward, Meridian countered again drilling home a long range effort into the corner of the net in the dying seconds. The game finished 6-2 with Meridian the deserved victors. Sidwell wish to thank Meridian and wish them all the success in the final.

Final Score: AFC Meridian 6 – 2 Sidwell

Scorers: Tom Smith (2)

Ref: Harry McCabe Assist Refs: Doug Osborne, Bedingham-Pearce J

Team: Connelly, Helps, (Wills), Wyeth, Liasi, Wiltshire, (Court), McGill, (Newman), Caldecourt, Martin, Montgomery, Smith, Wilson

Man of the Match: Tom Smith

Back To The Title

1st February 2009

Division 3
Mottingham Park Rangers Vs Sidwell

Sparrows Farm

Back to winning ways was a must for Sidwell since their crushing defeat 2 weeks previous in the league cup. Today was a completely different game as Sidwell knew the title was back in their hands and only they can let it go. With a full squad to choose from in the league cup, manager Mark Caldecourt only had the bare 11 this time, so much so that Danny McGill had to step into the left back spot in which history showed was a man of the match position all season, and once again it did not disappoint.
Sidwell took the game to Mottingham and dominated the first 20 minutes, but once again Sidwell could not beat the keeper. First Tom Smith played a lovely through ball to strike partner Dan Wilson who was edged off the ball by the defender when one on one. Secondly Tom Smith himself had a fierce drive heading for the top corner when the keeper outstretched his arms to tip round post.
The first goal came shortly after 20 minutes, Dan Wilson closed the keeper down for him to air shot allowing the ball to run along the goal for Wilson to score the easiest goal he will ever have tapping into an open net. Sidwell then had the tables turned on them within minutes when a cross from the right bobbled up on the uneven surface hitting Peter Wyeth in the face before falling kindly for a Mottingham striker to fire in. 5 minutes later and it was 2-1 to Mottingham with some sloppy defending, then 3-1 a minute after that when the whole Sidwell team stopped as one of their players went down injured and the Mottingham players continued to lob Owen Connelly who came out to close down.
Sidwell then came back with 2 quick goals of their own. Michael Wills crossed for Wilson to control with his left and fire into the top corner of the net with his right, and Wilson completed his Hat-trick when he drilled in from Peter Wyeth’s header from a Sidwell free kick. 3-3 at half time.
With Sidwell now back in the game, they were quite relaxed in their game during the second half, and on the hour, Dave Newman got his reward after latching onto a ball, taking on a defender and the advancing keeper to fire low into the bottom corner of the net. Sidwell managed to hold onto their lead for the remainder of the game, with Mark Caldecourt getting a hat-trick of his own. 2 balls into the other park from long range efforts, but his third attempt flew like a rocket narrowly missing the top corner of the net. Danny McGill as mentioned earlier slotted into left back and did not disappoint adding an extra bit of pace to the back and supporting the lively Harry Montgomery. His efforts did not go unnoticed with him picking up the man of the match trophy. Final Score Mottingham Park Rangers 3, Sidwell 4.

Final Score: Mottingham Park Rangers 3 – 4 Sidwell

Scorers: Dan Wilson (3), Dave Newman

Ref: T Kutetana

Team: Connelly, Wills, Helps, Wyeth, McGill, Newman, Caldecourt, Martin, Montgomery, Smith, Wilson

Man of the Match: Danny McGill

Sporting a Clean Sheet

15th February 2009

Division 3
Sidwell Vs Sporting St George

Butterfly Lane

It’s never a good start when 4 of your main players are unavailable to play, but the Sidwell squad and in particular the 12 that played in today’s game showed they are well equipped to carry on the challenge for the title.
Today was seen as one of the big games, against a team that at the beginning of the season was Sidwell’s toughest battle. A physical but fair side in Sporting St George and they did not fall short of expectation in another competitive game. Sidwell kicked off up the dreaded slope at Butterfly, and the defence lead by inspirational captain Peter Wyeth, coped magnificently in keeping Sporting to long range efforts, breaking and clearing every attack. Without Harry Montgomery in the team today, both Danny McGill and Dave Newman attacked both wings putting constant pressure on the full backs, backed up by their own full backs in Michael Wills and Peter Court. It was both McGill and Newman that played a key role in the opening goal. With Sidwell hoping to keep the game at 0-0 before the break, it was an added bonus to get the goal. Danny McGill collected the ball on the left wing from a Tom Smith header, and ran from one side of the pitch to the other to lay the ball out to Dave Newman. Newman crossed first time for Dan Wilson to bravely head into the net under pressure from the advancing keeper. Taking the 1-0 lead into half time gave the Sidwell team a massive boost for the second half.
The second half could not have got off to a better start with Sidwell taking the ball down the left winning a throw level with the Sporting box. The resulting throw taken long by Danny McGill was glanced over the keeper by Dan Wilson’s head, going in off the post for him and strike partner Tom Smith’s 24th goal of the season. Dan could have had his 2nd hat trick of the week moments later if it had not been but a fine save from the Sporting keeper, leaving Wilson with a black eye in the process. The score line seemed to kick Sporting into life with constant bombardment of the Sidwell defence. Peter Wyeth and Peter Helps commanded and cleared everything, but failed to stop an unbelievable drive from 30 yards from the Sporting right back that was heading for the top corner had it not been for Owen Connelly coming out of nowhere to tip over the bar. Mr safe hands must have had superglue on his gloves today as every cross and shot stayed comfortably in his hands, with Owen pulling off some fantastic saves.
Around the hour mark Sidwell got the goal they wanted to relax with quick thinking from the strong Tom Smith. Tom, who had won everything in the air all game holding the ball up well, and dropping deep to help the midfield, took a quick throw into the box to strike partner Wilson who was unmarked. Wilson looped in a cross for Danny McGill to fire against the post and the ball came out to Tim Andrews making his first start of the season in centre of midfield, who drilled the ball down the keeper’s throat who was unable to keep the ball from crossing the line for Tim’s first goal for the club. 3-0 up and time to relax a bit, Mark Caldecourt and Tim Andrews broke down the Sporting attacks and covered every blade of grass allowing the defence time to regroup and command. Benny Tucker made his long awaited return from injury, coming on as sub for the impressive Michael Wills in the last 20 minutes, for his first appearance of the season, and it did not look like he had been away. Sidwell held on to win against very strong opposition, and collecting their second clean sheet of the season. This leaves them in good shape for their up and coming double header which is crucial for the final games of the season. Final score Sidwell 3, Sporting St George 0.

Score: Sidwell 3 – 0 Sporting St George

Scorers: Wilson (2), Andrews

Team: Connelly, Wills, (Tucker), Helps, Wyeth, Court, Newman, Andrews, Caldecourt, McGill, Smith, Wilson

Ref: T Kutetana

Man of the Match: Peter Wyeth

All Square At The Belfry
22nd December 2008

Division 3
Belfry Vs Sidwell
Charlton Park

With the Christmas period fast approaching, both Sidwell and Belfry chose to play on a cold and windy 22nd of December.
Sidwell knew they were to be in for a game just from the pre-match warm up. Belfry was currently on fire and all their players were very much up for the match, chanting and shouting to unease the Sidwell team.
The game got off to a good start for Sidwell, and with the wind in their favour, should have taken an early lead when Dan McGill missed an absolute sitter on the goal line. Sidwell continued to press for the whole first half but failed to capitalise on the back of a strong wind, with their best chance falling to Dan Wilson who headed against the bar from a Harry Montgomery corner.
Into the second half and the wind picked up. Sidwell, unable to get the ball out of their half, soaked up the pressure they were being put under. Belfry’s pressure paid off however when they took a deserved lead with a strike into the roof of the net. The Sidwell defence of Helps, Wyeth, Liasi, and Court continued along with Watson, Caldecourt, and Connelly to keep Belfry at just 1-0 to the good against some fierce pressure, throwing their selves in front of everything.
Then Sidwell got their break when a Harry Montgomery’s corner was met by the head of Dan McGill who flicked on for Tom Smith to head over the line to the dispute of the Belfry team. How crucial could this goal turn out to be in the run in to the end of the season?
Sidwell in the last minute had a chance to win it when Harry Montgomery got the better of the Belfry defence only to be hacked down on the edge of the area with the keeper to beat. The Belfry defender was harshly sent off with a minute to go, despite both teams telling ref Jim Duff not to do it. The resulting free kick sailed narrowly over as the final whistle went. The final score 1-1 which Sidwell in the end were glad to get a point out of.

Final Score: Belfry 1 – 1 Sidwell

Scorer: Smith

Team: Connelly, Helps, Liasi, Wyeth, Court, Montgomery, Caldecourt, Watson, McGill, (Newman), Wilson, Smith

Ref: Jim Duff

Man of the Match: Nic Watson




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Double Header One

22nd February 2009

Division 3
Sparrows Lane Vs Sidwell
Sparrows Farm

As both teams geared up for the first game of a double header and 2 hours football in front of them, it was Sidwell’s objective to take maximum points from both games against their boogie team in Sparrows Lane.
Sidwell dominated the play for the first 10 minutes, not allowing not allowing Sparrows Lane out of their own half. Then the game completely changed and Sparrows dominated from then on in. Sparrows Lane did have the ball in the back of the Sidwell net from a corner, but was disallowed for pushing. Another let off for Sidwell, but Sidwell did come close when Harry Montgomery weaved his way through the Sparrows defence for his resulting shot to be tipped over the bar.
The second half was again completely dominated by Sparrows Lane with Owen Connelly making a string of fine saves, and Sidwell could have won the first encounter when a lovely cross from Dave Martin was falling on the head of Dan Wilson 2 yards from goal, but failed to connect.
With the game finishing 0-0, a fierce argument occurred to buck Sidwell’s ideas up for the second match.

Final Score 0-0

Scorers:

Team: Connelly, McGill, Helps, Wyeth, Wiltshire, (Bennetts), Montgomery, Caldecourt, Martin, Newman, Wilson, Smith

Ref: Jack Bedingham-Pearce

Man of the Match: Dan McGill


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Double Header Two

22nd February 2009

Division 3
Sidwell Vs Sparrows Lane
Sparrows Farm

The 2nd game of this double header got off to a much better start for Sidwell, then how they finished the first. Sidwell now more relaxed and knowing they would not take 6 points from the days events, had the ball in the back of the net in the first 5 minutes. Harry Montgomery crossed from the left and Dan Wilson headed past the keeper to make it 1-0.
Sidwell Held the lead till the start of the second half when an in swinging corner from Dave Martin was headed into his own net from a Sparrows Lane player. 2-0 and there was no stopping Sidwell. Harry Montgomery had the chance to make it 3, 4, and 5 nil but his hat trick of chances all went narrowly wide of the post. It was soon 3-0 however when a lovely ball over the defence from Tom Smith allowed Dan Wilson to run on and lob the keeper. The score ended 3-0 and was 4 points gained rather then 2 lost, and Sidwell left very happy in increasing their lead at the top of the table, and 2 more clean sheets to boot. In both games the Sidwell defence stood strong and the clean sheets show how solid the Sidwell defence now is.

Final Score: Sidwell 3-0 Sparrows Lane

Scorers: Wilson (2), Own Goal

Team: Connelly, Wiltshire, Helps, Wyeth, Bennetts, (Newman), McGill, Montgomery, Caldecourt, Martin, Wilson, Smith

Ref: Jack Bedingham-Pearce

Man of the Match: Peter Helps

Red Hot Duff

1st March 2009

Division 3
Clifton Vs Sidwell
Co-op Ground

Away to Clifton is never going to be an easy task, especially against a team which are the only ones to beat you in the league. Clifton have been on a winning streak of late, so it was nice to get an early lead. Tom Smith headed against the post from a Harry Montgomery corner, the ball fell down in the 6 yard box and Michael Wills was there to fire the ball over the line for his second goal of the season. Moments earlier Dan Wilson fired wide after striking on the half volley after great work on the right from Tom Smith and putting an inch perfect ball into the box.
Tom himself nearly made it 2-0 when the lively Michael Wills enjoying a rare outing in right midfield got the better of the Clifton left back and whipped in a lovely ball to the unmarked Tom Smith. Tom had tome to control, and as he was about to tuck the ball home it sat up on the grass and he fired just over the bar.
Dan Wilson was then given a dubious yellow card 20 minutes in for not being 10 yards from a free kick in a game that was not dirty or full of bad language, but it didn’t stop card happy Jim Duff getting his book out.
Harry Montgomery made it 2-0 before half time with a lovely through ball from Tom Smith allowed Harry to fire under the keeper into the corner of the net. Sidwell held on to a 2-0 lead till half time.
The second half started how it finished with Harry Montgomery making it 3-0 firing into the corner of the net from another Tom Smith layoff, and Harry soon had his hat trick and his first for the club when the same two combined for Harry to drill home and Tom to get his hat trick of assists.
Craig Liasi made a return to Sidwell duty coming on for Mark Caldecourt on the hour and made an instant impact. Craig was laid in to fire at goal on the edge of the area. Craig’s shot was blocked for it to fall kindly for the in form Dan Wilson who fired low into the corner of the net. Craig then managed to pull his groin, and with no subs had to struggle on till the end of the game.
Harry Montgomery had the chance to get his 4th, but as he rounded the keeper, he was brought down for the ref to point to the spot. Surprisingly Jim ‘the card’ Duff didn’t even get his book out.
Tom Smith who was out of luck of late with regards putting the ball in the net was encouraged to take it by his team mates. Tom fired low into the corner making it 6-0 and capped a magnificent day for him, also picking up his fourth man of the match award.
6-0 up and a moment of madness from Dan McGill at the back, gave the ball away. As he tracked back and with his back turned, the ball struck his arm. A free kick was given and Jim Duff gave Dan a straight red which was a disgraceful decision. One as the ball was going away from goal 25 yards out, and secondly why was the Clifton keeper not given the same fate minutes earlier.
Sidwell now down to 9 men with Liasi hobbling up front, made it 7-0 when Dan Wilson flicked on a Michael Wills header for Harry Montgomery to fire low and hard into the net. It remained 7-0 which is a magnificent result against one of the in form teams.

Final Score: Clifton 0 – 7 Sidwell

Scorers: Wills, Montgomery (4), Wilson, Smith

Team: Connelly, McGill, Wyeth, Helps, Wiltshire, (Court), Montgomery, Caldecourt, (Liasi), Martin, Wills, Wilson, Smith

Ref: Jim Duff

Man of the Match: Tom Smith


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Patriot Game

8th March 2009

Division 3
South London Patriots Vs Sidwell
Mottingham Playing Fields

It seems a long time since Sidwell’s last encounter with South London Patriots; it was the first game of the season which saw Sidwell as 7-2 victors. Today Sidwell had to make some changes to the back line and midfield with Chris Wiltshire stepping into centre back for the missing Peter Helps, and Richard Bennetts filling in at right midfield. Sidwell got off to a terrible shaky start, and it may be the changes that never had time to settle down that caused it.
Sidwell had the wind behind them on open Mottingham playing fields, but it was the SLP that took the game to Sidwell, running constantly at the Sidwell defence. Mark Caldecourt and Dave Martin did an excellent job in breaking down play and distributing quickly. It was Mark that opened the flood gates and settled the team when he rose to volley a Dave Martin free kick past the SLP keeper. In the process the SLP keeper sustained an eye injury and was taken to Queen Mary’s Hospital, Sidcup. It was 2-0 shortly after the restart when another free kick in a similar position found Dan Wilson free at the far post to head into the corner of the net.
It seemed that SLP’s heads had dropped for that brief moment as Tom Smith seemed to have regained his shooting boots by firing a 30 yard rocket past the replacement keeper to make it 3-0, and taking him and strike partner Dan Wilson to 30 goals between them for the season.
With Sidwell now more relaxed, SLP picked themselves up and attacked Sidwell’s defence again and deserved their goal when a long range drive curled into the top corner of Connelly’s net. Game back on or so it seemed, when Montgomery found himself with the keeper to beat and being closed down fast by 2 SLP players, he unselfishly squared across goal to the unmarked Dan Wilson who finished first time into the top corner of the net with the aid of the keepers gloves.
4-1 at half time, and Sidwell still had a lot of work to do as they now had to play into the wind. This time Sidwell made a better start, and with Mark Caldecourt doing the tackling and Dave Martin distributing in the middle of the park, Sidwell looked a solid unit. The Sidwell defence still came under pressure but Wiltshire, Court, Wyeth, and McGill stood up strong. Owen Connelly also kept Sidwell in it with 3 magnificent one on one saves, but was unable to stop a 25 yard screamer which flew straight past him into the back of the net.
Sidwell managed to hit back straight away when a free kick was headed on by Tom Smith to Dan Wilson who chested forward, to the protest of SLP for handball, and rounded the keeper to score his hat trick and his 20th goal of the season. Harry Montgomery got the 6th after great work from the returning Ben Tucker, carried the ball down the right wing before cutting inside and playing the ball to the other wing where Harry with another tricky run took the ball into the box and smash into the roof of the net.
With time running out, SLP chased a lost cause over the top into the area for Owen not to collect and the SLP player rolled it past Owen to make it 6-3. SLP should and could have had more and did everything but just failed to finish. Then to save the best till last, with the ref about to blow for full time, Dave Martin latched onto a knock down and hit an unstoppable 30 yard drive with the very last kick of the game which left the net bulging. Dave’s 1st goal for Sidwell in 24 appearances and it earnt him man of the match to cap a magnificent display from Sidwell’s midfield.

Final Score: South London Patriots 3 – 7 Sidwell

Scorers: Caldecourt, Wilson (3), Smith, Montgomery, Martin

Team: Connelly, Court, Wiltshire, Wyeth, McGill, Bennetts, (Tucker), Caldecourt, Martin, Montgomery, Smith, Wilson

Ref: Tony Wheeler

Man of the Match: Dave Martin